BARKHAMSTED — A movie cinema chain based in Waterbury and Cambridge, Mass., has announced plans to reopen Mallory Brook Cinemas.
The movie theater, located at 380 New Hartford Road, closed unexpectedly in November 2013.
The nine-screen movie theater was purchased in 2010 by New York City-based Cinema Holdings Group from Torrington-based Cinerom LLC.
In November 2013 the movie theater shut down, and the owners announced it would reopen after digital movie projection technology was installed.
However, the theater never reopened and has been vacant ever since.
Earlier this month signs have been posted throughout town advertising that Apple Cinemas would open soon at the location.
According to the company’s website at www.applecinemas.com, the company owns Waterbury Apple Cinemas and Cambridge Apple Cinemas in Cambridge, Mass.
Via email, a company representative who would only identify themselves as “Siva” confirmed that Apple Cinemas plans to reopen the movie theater.
“Yes, we have taken over the place and are renovating now,” the company representative said. “Our tentative start date is Jan. 30, but that might change based on renovation time. We will going completely digital [movie projection system] with new carpets and painting.”
This came as news to Barkhamsted First Selectman Don Stein.
“We have not heard anything about this in Town Hall,” Stein said. “Obviously if they were to reopen they have to make sure they have all the proper permits for renovating. I do think it’s great if they are reopening.”
Stein said that, as of Monday, Jan. 12, no one from the company has applied for any renovation or construction permit with the town.
The company did not reply to subsequent calls and emails for comment for this story.
